MERRILLVILLE – Each year as the days get shorter, Catholics enter a season of waiting and preparation. This liturgical season called Advent is a time in which many Christians eagerly await the birth of Jesus.
The Diocese of Gary is excited to formally invite its faithful to participate in a Pray25 Advent community challenge created by Hallow, a prayer and meditation app, as it guides users through the prophecy and the fulfillment of the coming of Jesus. From the Garden of Eden, to a manger in the small town of Bethlehem, the program reflects on God’s constant, loving call to humanity for generations to do His will, including each and every one today.
The Advent challenge will begin the first Monday of Advent, on Dec. 2, and continue leading those involved through prayer each day to Christmas. For those following along, Hallow promises “this Advent will be something like never before.”
Father Declan McNicholas, in his position as director of Missionary Discipleship and Evangelization, is helping to promote the initiative, coordinating the recent partnership between Hallow and the diocese.
“It facilitates a place and time for prayer,” he said of the software app. “It’s perfect for anyone looking to grow in their relationship with God, whether they’re new to prayer or deeply rooted in their faith.”
Father McNicholas shared that what he personally likes about Hallow is how accessible and inviting it makes prayer.
“Life is chaotic,” he said. “Hallow helps me to center myself, and really focus on God in prayer, whether that is when I am walking my dog or in the car or in the adoration chapel before the Blessed Sacrament. It’s a tool that fits seamlessly into my daily routine.”
This Advent, those in the Diocese of Gary can join celebrities and public figures Jonathan Roumie, Bear Grylls, Sister Agnus Dei, Jeff Cavins and many others as they participate in the Pray25 challenge throughout the Season of Advent.
Father McNicholas said his hope is that this partnership with Hallow continues to inspire people to encounter Christ in their everyday lives. He also hopes it encourages more people to re-engage with their faith, not just within the walls of the Church, but also throughout their week: at home, at work, wherever they are.
In addition, he sees this project as a way for the faithful to make further connections at a local level.
“I hope those who are not part of a community but have found a community on Hallow will get connected with a community that they will feel welcomed to join in person for the sacramental life of the Church,” he said.
St. John Evangelist in St. John, where Father McNicholas serves as associate pastor, has been using the app at a parish level.
“When Father Declan talked to our media team about Hallow, we were really excited about the possibility of more people in our parish being able to try Hallow with the fantastic promotional offer,” said Kris Ziegelhofer, coordinator of Parish Partner Engagement.
Ziegelhofer explained that SJE parish staff put together a promotional campaign which included an announcement and flyers at Mass as well as social media, parish update and bulletin posts. The parish has more than 200 people on the app so far, adding that they are looking at ways to help people get on Hallow in time for Advent.
“I think most of us look for ways that we can grow in our faith during Advent,” she said. “For myself, as a wife, mother and parish employee, there is so much that needs to be done to prepare for Christmas that it is sometimes harder to enter spiritually into the Advent season than it is for Lent.”
She continued, “Hallow gives us convenient and varied opportunities to help keep our focus on the spiritual with the Advent challenge, Advent music and other Advent season reflections and prayers.”
When the developers of the Catholic meditation app Hallow launched it in 2018, they set out to attract young Catholics. In the past two years, the app has partnered with about half a dozen Catholic colleges and universities, such as Benedictine College in Atchison, Franciscan University of Steubenville, Ohio and the University of Notre Dame in Indiana. The app continues to grow in popularity beyond young adults to those of all ages and backgrounds.
Vicky Hathaway, coordinator for youth and young adults for the diocese, describes herself as a person who loves to listen to music and podcasts when she’s working, traveling, or just on a walk. Hallow, she stated, is a great tool because it fits into her lifestyle.
“I really love the calming evening meditations,” Hathaway said. “It puts me in a place of peace. I also like Hallow because it helps me understand why we pray what we pray. I like learning about the history of prayers and the stories of saints. Hallow is a place where I can do all of that.”
To join the Diocese of Gary in the Pray25 Advent community challenge, sign up at hallow.com/parish/. The premium subscription to Hallow for a full year is just $1. This will give users the opportunity to create a profile, find friends, share prayer intentions, and journey through content together with fellow parishioners. For more information, visit dcgary.org/Hallow.
“I think it will be neat to do challenges with your parish,” Hathaway said. “You can pray together, and then talk about it either through the app or when you go to Mass. I'm praying that the supportive nature of the app will help us foster communities so we can get to know each other better.”